"The Big Ten said USC should have been penalized after having reserve quarterback Sam Huard wear the same jersey number as primary punter Sam Johnson and successfully execute a fake punt pass in Friday's win against Northwestern. Early in the second quarter, USC faced fourth-and-6 and lined up in punt formation. Huard, the team's third-string quarterback, took the field wearing No. 80, which is also Johnson's number, and positioned himself as the punter."
"But the Big Ten cited an NCAA rule under "Unfair Tactics" that reads: Two players playing the same position may not wear the same number during the game. "If a foul was identified when #80 (Johnson) entered the game as a punter, a Team Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty would have been assessed resulting in a 15-yard penalty from the previous spot," the league's statement reads. "The Big Ten will continue to review the situation with both institutions.""
USC used third-string quarterback Sam Huard to line up as the punter while wearing No. 80 and completed a 10-yard fake punt pass to Tanook Hines, leading to a touchdown and a 38-17 victory over Northwestern. Both Huard and primary punter Sam Johnson were listed with No. 80 on the game-day roster, though Huard appears as No. 7 on the team's online roster. Northwestern coach David Braun said the play was legally submitted and accepted responsibility. The Big Ten cited an NCAA "Unfair Tactics" rule banning two players at the same position from sharing a number and said a 15-yard penalty would have applied.
Read at ESPN.com
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